University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury was established in 1873 by the scholars of Oxford and Cambridge universities. It is New Zealand’s oldest university. Today it is a comprehensive, New Zealand Government funded research-led university ranked in the world’s top 250 universities (QS, 2012).
The University of Canterbury was the first New Zealand University to receive a 5-star rating in the International QS Stars rating system (QS, 2012) and this includes perfect scores in the areas of research, teaching, infrastructure and internationalisation.
The University of Canterbury has a reputation where it has played a significant role in developing yesterday’s leaders including Ernest Rutherford (Nuclear physicist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry) and today’s leaders that include the Prime Minister of New Zealand (the Right Honourable John Key).
Christchurch is currently undergoing a major rebuilding so students attending UC have an opportunity to be part of a moment in history as the city transforms itself into one of the world’s most modern and sustainable cities.

Main Campus:
Christchurch

Locations:
Christchurch

Student Population:

Faculties: College of Arts, College of Business and Law, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Science

Overview

Introduction

The University of Canterbury was established in 1873 by the scholars of Oxford and Cambridge universities. It is New Zealand’s oldest university. Today it is a comprehensive, New Zealand Government funded research-led university ranked in the world’s top 250 universities (QS, 2012).

The University of Canterbury was the first New Zealand University to receive a 5-star rating in the International QS Stars rating system (QS, 2012) and this includes perfect scores in the areas of research, teaching, infrastructure and internationalisation.

The University of Canterbury has a reputation where it has played a significant role in developing yesterday’s leaders including Ernest Rutherford (Nuclear physicist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry) and today’s leaders that include the Prime Minister of New Zealand (the Right Honourable John Key).

Christchurch is currently undergoing a major rebuilding so students attending UC have an opportunity to be part of a moment in history as the city transforms itself into one of the world’s most modern and sustainable cities.

Research Quality

The University of Canterbury offers a wide range of postgraduate and graduate qualifications through world-class resources and exciting, hands-on research opportunities.

Government funded research led comprehensive university – in 2010 the University received in excess of $NZ49M (US$39M) in research funding.

UC has over 20 research institutes and centres including Gateway Antarctica, Centre for Antarctic Studies and Research; the Biomolecular Interaction Centre, the NZ Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour; the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management

UC operates 5 field stations across NZ, and UC students use NZ’s Scott Base in Antarctica

UC hosts the first IBM Supercomputer (Blue Gene) in the Southern Hemisphere

UC has NZ’s leading nanofabrication laboratory as part of the national MacDiarmid Institute and operates the best astronomical research facility in the country at Mt John, Tekapo, famous for its clear southern skies.

Student Services

The University of Canterbury offers a wide range of services to assist international students adjust to life in a new country, including meeting other students and success in academic studies. These services include a mentoring programme where on commencement students are matched with a UC mentor studying in the same subject area. Mentors assist with enrolment, orientation and ongoing support.

The student support team provide assistance with transition, accommodation issues, insurance, immigration, academic issues and any other concerns.

The Learning Skills Centre is a free advisory service focusing on academic writing, study strategies, critical thinking, exam preparation and assignment writing. Students can book one on one consultation with experienced and friendly staff and this service is offered for students from their first year of study through to PhD.

Areas Of Study

Academic Life

The University of Canterbury offers World rankings top 100 Subject areas (QS 2011/2012) in Accounting, Chemistry, Earth and Marine Sciences, Economics and Econometrics, Engineering (civil and structural, chemical and electrical), Environmental Sciences and Finance. With a student to staff ratio of 1:20 it offers more than 100 programmes from Bachelor to Doctoral level across Commerce, Creative Arts, Education, Engineering, Forestry, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, and Science; and more than 150 disciplines from Accounting to Zoology.

The University of Canterbury offers high quality research based programmes that are internationally recognised and transferable – students can expect to be taught by UC lecturers who are at the forefront of knowledge in their specific disciplines and may at times be taught by visiting academics from Oxford, Cambridge, and IIT (India), Stanford, Cornell and McGill (under Oxford, Cambridge and Erskine fellowships that host up to 70 international academics each year).

Ranking

UC's Master of Commerce programmes in Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, International Business, and Strategy and Entrepreneurship are ranked in the Top 200 Masters programmes in Oceania by the Eduniversal Master's Ranking Office (2012 ranking)

Campus Facilities

Campus Life

The University of Canterbury Student Association (UCSA) offers an exciting and wide range of services from academic support to social activities and many clubs. There are more than 125 clubs and societies affiliated to UCSA and the sorts of events organised range from an international festival, graduation ball, second-hand book sales, sports events, orientation and photo competitions.

The University of Canterbury recreation centre on campus offers first class services where the centre offers more amenities than most commercial gyms at a fraction of the price for all of its students.

The University of Canterbury offers accommodation to 2000 students on campus where all of the halls provide fully furnished single rooms that are networked and have internet access. Meal options include fully catered (3 meals a day), semi catered (evening meals only) and self-catered (meals not provided). Single sex accommodation is available in some halls, on request. Popular in-hall tutoring classes are offered in popular subjects as well as a variety of social and cultural events organised through the year.

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Need help finding the best course, submitting your university application or guiding you through visa requirements? Book an appointment with one of our counsellors.

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